The Atlanta Hawks enter this one looking to end a three-game losing streak. They were the favorite in the first two defeats, losing a road bout against the Rockets and a home loss against the Heat. Next, the Hawks were 2.5-point dogs in a 104-101 road loss to the 76ers on Monday night. The offense has cooled down in the last few clashes and they have only covered in one out of their last five games.

Trae Young hasn’t been at his best from an offensive standpoint recently, sinking 22 and 18 points respectively in his last two clashes. The 24-year-old star is having an outstanding season, reporting an average of 27.7 PPG and 9.4 APG. Young registered 25 points against the Magic last month.

Dejounte Murray registered 17 points in Monday’s loss. The 26-year-old shooting guard scored 20 points in the lone meeting against the Magic this season and enters with an average of 20.6 PPG and 5.2 RPG. De’Andre Hunter has been inconsistent and is only shooting 42% this month. The 24-year-old small forward has logged an average of 15.6 PPG.

The Hawks are only 4-6 in their last ten games and are especially having difficulty on the road, dropping each of their last three road clashes including a loss in Cleveland. Atlanta is scoring an average of 113.4 points, good for 13th in the NBA. They are conceding an average of 113.8 points, placing them 16th in the league. 

The Orlando Magic are in need of a victory. They have been dealt five consecutive losses due primarily to a lack of scoring. There was a narrow one-point defeat to the Pacers to begin the slide but three of the losses were not close games. Orlando was marked 11.5-point dogs in a 109-102 road loss to the Nets on Monday night. The Magic have only covered in two out of their last five clashes.

Paolo Banchero continues to produce. The first overall pick out of Duke is living up the expectations and accumulated 24 points in Monday’s defeat. Banchero scored 20 points against the Hawks last month and has posted an average of 22.9 PPG and 7.1 RPG.

Franz Wagner has been a bright spot in the losing streak. The 21-year-old small forward has reached at least 20 points in five out of his last six games including 21 on Monday. Wagner has increased his season average to 19.5 PPG on 50% shooting. Wendell Carter Jr. has missed the last few games and remains questionable with a foot injury. The 23-year-old center has amassed an average of 16.6 PPG along with 9.1 RPG. Cole Anthony has not played all month due to injury and is finally making his return in this game.

The Magic have only won three out of their last ten games which includes surprising wins against the Mavericks and Suns at home. Orlando is struggling to score, netting 103 or fewer points in four games in a row. They are now averaging 108.3 points, ranking them 29th. The Magic defense is respectable. The Magic are allowing an average of 13.8 points, positioning them 17th.